Leather treatment

Abstract

Use of a water-based, air-curable composition which comprises water and a cationic perfluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer having a glass transition temperature of up to 25° C. to impart water and/or oil repellency to leather. The composition is particularly useful in the treatment of leather footwear.

1 . Use of a water-based, air-curable composition for the treatment of leather to impart water and/or oil repellency thereto, wherein the composition comprises water and a cationic perfluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of up to 40° C.  
     
     
         2 . Use according to    claim 1   , wherein the composition consists essentially of water and the copolymer.  
     
     
         3 . Use according to    claim 1    or    claim 2   , wherein the copolymer has a Tg of up to 25° C.  
     
     
         4 . Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the copolymer is a branched copolymer.  
     
     
         5 . Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition comprises 0.5 to 30 wt. % of the copolymer.  
     
     
         6 . Use according to any preceding claim, for the treatment of leather footwear.  
     
     
         7 . Use according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is applied to the leather by spraying.  
     
     
         8 . Use of a composition according to    claims 1    to    6   , wherein the composition is applied to the leather by coating.  
     
     
         9 . Leather footwear which has been treated with a composition as defined in any of    claims 1    to    5   .